| Starts | Lima, Peru |
|---|---|
| Ends | Rio de Janeiro, Brazil |
| Region | Peru |
| Duration | 27 days |
| Tour Operator | Intrepid Travel |
Itinerary
Day 1 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Lima
Welcome to Lima, Peru. On arrival at Lima's Jorge Chavez International Airport, you'll be transferred to your hotel in the well-known coastal suburb of Miraflores. In the afternoon around 2 pm, there will be a welcome briefing at the hotel with your tour guide. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. We'll be collecting insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so ensure you bring these details to provide to your leader. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. Later in the day your leader will take you on a walking tour of downtown Lima, including the city's historical centre. Start off at the Central Market for a mini walking tour. The market has a huge variety of fresh produce on offer, including fruits, vegetables and even guinea pigs. Afterwards, take a walk through the restaurants and grocery stores of Chinatown, known locally as Barrio Chino. Visit the nearby San Francisco Monastery, with its catacombs containing some 70,000 human remains. Within the monastery you will visit a libary which houses one of the oldest collections of books in Lima (approximately 25,000). Flanked by streets of ornate mansions, palaces and churches, Plaza Mayor is the best place to end your exploration of Lima. Take a walk through the old streets to get a feel for colonial life. In the evening, enjoy an included dinner with the group. Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit, the air is thinner and some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. It even happened to Sir Edmund Hillary. Some people aren’t affected at all, but if you are, be sure to drink plenty of water and don’t push yourself too hard. Please see the ‘Health’ section of the trip notes for more important information about altitude sickness.
Day 2 - Starting: Amazon Jungle & Finishing: Amazon Jungle
Fly from Lima to Puerto Maldonado today, which should take around two hours. Upon arrival, the lodge staff will take you to their office in town where you'll leave the majority of your luggage in safe storage. You'll continue travelling with a small pack with only the necessary items for your next two nights in the jungle. Shortly afterwards, take a motorised canoe up river to your jungle lodge in the Madre de Dios region. Posada Amazonas is a rainforest lodge that's just a 45-minute boat ride from Puerto Maldonado. The lodge is owned by the indigenous Ese-Eja community of Infierno, offering a 30-metre canopy tower that provides spectacular views of the vast expanses of forest, Tambopata River and endless opportunities to witness Amazonian wildlife. Every room overlooks the tropical rainforest allowing guests to enjoy this unique ecosystem, even during their down time. The rooms are built with local materials such as wood, bamboo, adobe mud and palm trees, with each room having a spacious private bathroom with hot water. Use your evening getting to know the community and relaxing. Notes: Numerous kerosene lamps and candles provide lighting. Electricity and internet are only available in the common areas of the lodge.
Day 3 - Starting: Amazon Jungle & Finishing: Amazon Jungle
This morning, head into the jungle of the Amazon with your local, multilingual guides, encountering magnificent fauna and flora in their natural habitat. You may even spot an array of animals from macaws and monkeys to peccary, jabirus, otters and thousands of butterflies. The guides can also teach you about the medicinal properties and practical uses of the plants. After your hike finishes in the afternoon, you're then free to sit back and relax in the comfort of your lodge.
Day 4 - Starting: Cuzco & Finishing: Cuzco
Today, travel back to Puerto Maldonado before taking the short flight to Cuzco (approximately 35 minutes). On arrival, your local guide will take you on a walking tour, including a visit to the Coca Museum - where you can learn about the infamous plant that has been an essential part of life for centuries in the Andes - and the local San Pedro market where you'll find vegetables, meats, local cheeses, chocolates, herbal medicines and many local handicrafts. Take the time to acclimatise to the city's 3,400 metre (11,150 feet) altitude and explore the many Baroque churches and ancient temples that dot the city. This is a city steeped in history, tradition and legend and is a perfect base for explorations into the Inca world or to enjoy a range of outdoor activities. Notes: Due to the high altitude of many of places we visit, the air is thinner and some people can suffer altitude sickness, regardless of age, gender or fitness. Please see the 'Health' section in the trip notes for detailed information.
Day 5 - Starting: Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo & Finishing: Sacred Valley/Ollantaytambo
Travel by private bus for around two hours through the Sacred Valley, on the outskirts of Cuzco. Known as Wilcamayo to the Incas, this fertile valley has long been the main source of food for the high Andes. At the Sacred Valley, visit the stone fortress of Sacsayhuaman where massive stone blocks that form the walls of this site give you a clear image of how highly developed Inca engineering was. Venture to a community in the valley to learn about the local lifestyle. If your visit coincides with market day (Sunday, Tuesday and Thursday), spend time browsing the stalls in search of hand-painted beads or warm ponchos. Lunch will also be provided by the local community. Continuing on, drive 20 minutes to Ollantaytambo. Ollantaytambo's archaeological site is located to the east of the Plaza de Armas. The upper terraces of this site offer great photo opportunities of the squared grid town below.
Day 6 - Starting: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option & Finishing: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option
Depending on your pre-arranged travel arrangements, during the next four days you may: hike the Classic Inca Trail, hike the Inca Quarry Trail or stay in Cuzco for another two days before taking the train to Aguas Calientes. While away from Cuzco, the bulk of your luggage will be stored at your hotel. If you’re hiking the Inca Trail or the Inca Quarry Trail, the evening before you leave Cuzco you'll receive a small duffle bag to carry your clothes in for the next four days (6 kg maximum). Your team of porters will carry these bags for you, together with the food and equipment for the trail. Please note that you won't have access to these items until the end of each day, as the porters will always be ahead of the group. If you’re travelling to Aguas Calientes by train, you'll be able to leave most of your luggage at the hotel in Cuzco and only travel with the necessary items for the next few days. Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: Today travel by minivan to the 82 kilometre marker and meet your crew of local porters, cook and guide. The first day includes uphill trekking to the campsite, which is at 3,100 metres above sea level. On the way you’ll see the ruins of Llactapata, which was burnt to the ground by the last Inca emperor to discourage Spanish pursuit down the trail. In the evening, set up camp while the cook makes dinner. Notes: The Inca Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people, but please come prepared, as the trail is 45 kilometres long and often steep. Each day's journey generally consists of seven hours of walking (uphill and downhill), with stops for snacks and lunch. Trekking usually begins at 7 am (except on the fourth morning) and you reach the campsite around 5 pm. Accommodation on the trek is camping (three nights). Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. Route 2 Quarry Trail: Make an early start today and drive to Choquequilla, a small ceremonial place where Incas worshipped the moon. Drive to the starting point of the trek, Rafq'a, and meet the horsemen who join us on the hike. After an hour’s walk, reach the small community of Socma. Carry on to the Perolniyoc cascade lookout, an opportunity to stop for photos and a food break. Continue to the campsite, which is 3,700 meters above sea level. You should reach the campsite around lunchtime. After lunch, set off to explore the Q'orimarca archaeological site, which once served as a checkpoint to the Incas. Notes: The Quarry Trail is within the abilities of most reasonably fit people. The hike is 26 kilometres long in total and its highest pass is at 4,450 meters above sea level. Throughout the trek, horses will carry your gear and camping equipment. The first two nights are spent camping and the third night you will stay at a simple hotel. Double tents (twin-share) and foam camping mats will be provided. The porters will set up the tents while the cook prepares meals. Route 3 Train: For those travellers disinterested in hiking the trail or who are unable to, spend two extra nights in Cuzco before travelling by bus to Ollantaytambo. From here take a train through the winding Urubamba Valley to the town of Aguas Calientes where you’ll spend a third night. Please note: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.
Day 7 - Starting: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option & Finishing: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option
Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: This is the most challenging day of the trek, as we ascend a long steep path (approximately five hours) to reach the highest point of the trail. Colloquially known as 'Dead Woman's Pass', Warmiwanusca sits at a height of 4,200 metres above sea level, providing amazing views of the valley below. The group will then descend to the campsite in the Pacaymayo Valley at 3,650 metres. Route 2 Quarry Trail: This is the most challenging and rewarding day of the hike. A three-hour walk takes us to the top of the first pass of Puccaqasa (approximately 4,370 metres high). After enjoying picturesque views of the valley, it’s a short walk before stopping for lunch. Afterwards, make the two-hour hike to Kuychicassa, the highest pass of the trek at 4,450 metres. From here, descend to the sacred site the Incas called Intipunku (Sun Gate), with views of the Nevado Veronica mountain. Head to the campsite, which is only a stone’s throw away at Choquetacarpo. Route 3 Train: Today, perhaps use your free day indulging your inner foodie in the eateries of Cuzco. Head to lunch at the arty Fallen Angel restaurant, and if you still have room for dessert, the ChocoMuseo offers tastings and chocolate-marking workshops. For you to make the most of your free time in Cuzco, your trip includes a “Full Boleto Turistico”, a tourist pass that gives you access to 16 archaeological sites in and around Cuzco, including Qenqo, Tambomachay, Pukapukara, Saqsaywaman, amongst others. Please note: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.
Day 8 - Starting: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option & Finishing: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option
Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: Start the day with a climb through the Pacaymayo Valley to Runkuracay pass (3,980 metres). Enjoy views of the snow-capped mountain of Cordillera Vilcabamba before descending for around two to three hours to the ruins of Sayacmarca. Continue over the trail’s third pass to the ruins of Phuyupatamarca (3,850 metres), also known as 'Town Above the Clouds'. Start the two-hour descent down the Inca steps, which takes you to the final night's campsite by the Winay Wayna archaeological site. Route 2 Quarry Trail: Today’s hike will all be downhill. The first stop is the incomplete Kachiqata quarry, where the Incas were intercepted by the Spanish. Around midday, come to the end of the trek. Explore the cobbled streets of Ollantaytambo before taking the short train journey to Aguas Calientes. This is where you’ll meet up with the travellers in your group who didn't hike. Visiting the natural hot springs in town is a soothing way to spend the late afternoon. Spend the night in a comfortable hotel before tomorrow’s visit to Machu Picchu. Route 3 Train: In the morning take the three-hour train to the town of Aguas Calientes, which is nestled in the hills at the foot of Machu Picchu. For those who want to, there’s time to visit Machu Picchu independently before the guided tour the next day. If you’d like to do this, please advise your group leader at the welcome meeting at the start of the trip. Otherwise, you might like to while away the afternoon in the natural hot springs of Aguas Calientes. Please note: Included lunch and dinner on this day is for people trekking the Inca or Quarry Trail only.
Day 9 - Starting: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option and Machu Picchu/Cuzco & Finishing: Inca Trail / Quarry Trail or Train option and Machu Picchu/Cuzco
Route 1 Classic Inca Trail: The day starts before dawn with breakfast at 4.30 am. Say farewell to the porters as they descend to the train station and then begin hiking by 5.30 am. The walk to Intipunku (the Sun Gate) takes around two-and-a-half hours. Weather permitting, enjoy unforgettable views over the ‘Lost City of the Incas’ as the sun rises (and before it’s packed full of tourists). Route 2 Quarry Trail: Depending on weather conditions, take a bus at 5:30 am along the winding road to Machu Picchu (30 minutes). At Machu Picchu, join up with the travellers in your group who hiked the Classic Inca Trail. If skies are clear, enjoy a spectacular sunrise over the ancient city from the Sun Gate, before going on a guided walk around the ruins. Route 3 Train: In the morning at 5.30 am, take a bus up to Machu Picchu. The city was built around 1440 AD as a country retreat for Incan nobility, but there’s evidence that the land had been a sacred Incan site for much longer. Take a guided tour around the ruins of temples, palaces and living quarters, and enjoy some free time afterwards to wander around on your own before the group returns to Cuzco. Notes: Due to Intrepid's internal safety policy, our leaders are specifically prohibited from recommending or assisting with booking trips to the mountaintop ruins of Wayna Picchu.
Day 10 - Starting: Cuzco & Finishing: Cuzco
Today you have a free day in Cusco.
Day 11 - Starting: Puno & Finishing: Puno
Travel by bus for around six hours to Puno, which will be more or less a full day's journey. This scheduled tourist service will take you on decent roads through spectacular mountain scenery, with the chance to stop at several sites along the way, including adobe Inca ruins. Along the way you'll also make a short roadside stop at La Raya, which at 4,335 metres is the highest point of your journey. Lunch will be included on a stop in the small town of Sicuani. Continue driving through the large sprawling town of Juliaca on your way to Puno. Located on the shores of Lake Titicaca, Puno is a melting pot of Aymara and Quechuan Indian culture and traditional Andean customs are still strongly represented here. The town is known as the folklore capital of Peru and is famous for its traditional dances. Many festivals are celebrated here, so if you're lucky your visit might coincide with one of the colourful evening parades, when the streets fill with costumed dancers and musicians.
Day 12 - Starting: Lake Titicaca / Puno & Finishing: Lake Titicaca / Puno
You will go on a tour of the lake on a motor boat, visiting the floating islands that are built on totora reeds. In fact everything on these islands are crafted from reed, including their boats which last up to 12 months. You will also visit Taquile Island, a place where knitting is strictly the domain of men, while women are relegated to spinning. This is the place to get your hands on some beautiful knitwear. You will hike uphill for an hour to reach the main part of the island. It has great views across the lake. There will be an optional lunch here as well, with a simple set menu of quinoa soup and muna tea (Andean mint tea). You will return down 500 steps to the boat that will take you on the three hour journey back to Puno. Puno is the hometown of Kusimayo, a terrific local organisation that works towards improving the living condition of children and adults affected by poverty and malnutrition in this part of the world you have now come to know so well. Take a look at this short video for more information on this wonderful project: https://vimeo.com/154422813 Kusimayo is supported by the Intrepid Foundation which means you can donate to this project and your donation will be match dollar for dollar by the Intrepid Group. Please donate through our website: http://www.theintrepidfoundation.org/projects/kusimayo/
Day 13 - Starting: Lima & Finishing: Lima
You will fly to Lima from Puno today (approximately 1-2 hours). If time permits you will have the opportunity to visit the Sillustani archaeological site, a collection of ruined towers built by a pre-Inca civilisation near Lake Umayo. The towers are chullpas - funeral towers built to commemorate noble men, and fitted with offerings to help secure their passage into the next life.
Day 14 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Santiago
You will need to book a flight from Lima to Santiago for today (this flight is not included in the tour cost). Please try to book the earliest flight possible. Transfers to and from the airport in Lima and Santiago are included so please advise us these flight details no later than 15 days from departure. Welcome to Santiago, Chile. Once you’ve arrived, transfer from the airport to the hotel (transfer is included). Your adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception. We'll be collecting your insurance details and next of kin information at this meeting, so please ensure you have all these details to provide to your leader. If you arrive early into Santiago, perhaps head out on a short walk to get your bearings of the city. Notes: The complimentary airport transfer is only applicable on Day 1 of the trip or if pre-trip accommodation is booked through Intrepid. Please advise us of your flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided. If you’re taking a transfer with us and have arrived on an international flight, please leave through Door 4. If it’s a domestic flight, leave through Door 2. If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability).
Day 15 - Starting: Santiago & Finishing: Santiago
After breakfast, venture out on a walking tour of the city centre with a local guide and learn more about Chile's capital while explore some of its most iconic sights. Later, perhaps head to Bellavista, Santiago's bohemian quarter, which is packed full of Parisian influence. Or take the cable car up to Cerro San Cristobal to enjoy impressive views across the city on a clear day.
Day 16 - Starting: Mendoza & Finishing: Mendoza
In the morning, travel through the Andes and across the Argentinian border by local bus to Mendoza (approximately 6-7 hours). It’s a good idea to bring plenty of water and snacks, as the trip may incur delays. On a clear day it may be possible to see Mount Aconcagua, the highest mountain in the Americas at 6,962 meters above sea level. Please note that crossing the border can take up to three hours depending on local traffic. Once in Mendoza, get to know the city with a gentle stroll around its tree-lined streets, or visit the local cafes and restaurants for some Argentinian fare.
Day 17 - Starting: Mendoza & Finishing: Mendoza
This morning head out on a winery tour, which includes lunch. Mendoza is Argentina's most prolific and significant grape-growing region, producing nearly three-quarters of the country's wine. The climate produces an excellent variety of grapes, with the region's signature being Malbec. Visit several wineries and cellar doors, tasting Malbec, Torrontes and other local varietals along the way. In the evening, perhaps test how refined your palate is by attempting to pair the perfect wine with an authentic Argentine asado (barbecue-style food).
Day 18 - Starting: Estancia Stay & Finishing: Estancia Stay
Today fly from Mendoza to Buenos Aires, which only takes around one and a half hours. On arrival, travel in a minivan for around two hours to a traditional estancia (cattle ranch). This is where the group will be staying for the next couple of days. Arrive in time for afternoon tea and explore the grounds. If there’s time in the evening, perhaps go for a swim in the pool to freshen up after a long day.
Day 19 - Starting: Estancia Stay & Finishing: Estancia Stay
During your time on the estancia you can do as much or as little as you desire. Activities may also vary depending on the day. You could go horse riding, work with the cattle, take a cooking class or learn more about the sport of polo. Alternatively you could laze by the pool and read or have a barbecue. Estancias are ideal for relaxation and provide a great base for activities. Please remember that activities vary depending on the days that you are there. If in doubt, ask your trip leader for more information.
Day 20 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
After breakfast head back to the cosmopolitan city of Buenos Aires. The Portenos (local residents) are justifiably proud of their city, which is comprised of distinct neighbourhoods, each with its own style. After checking in to the hotel, enjoy free time to explore. Perhaps wander the colourful neighbourhood of La Boca or see the elaborate tombs on display in the famous Recoleta Cemetery. An evening in Buenos Aires wouldn’t be complete without dinner at one of the capital’s famous steakhouses.
Day 21 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Your Latin adventure begins with a welcome meeting at 6 pm today. A transfer from the airport to the hotel is included in the trip. Please look for a note in the hotel lobby or ask reception where it will take place. If you have some free time today, head out to explore the streets of this sophisticated city, often referred to as the ‘Paris of South America’. Notes: The complimentary airport transfer is only applicable on Day One of your trip or if pre-trip accommodation is booked through Intrepid (please advise flight arrival details at least 14 days prior to departure if you wish to have this transfer provided). If you can't arrange a flight that will arrive in time for the meeting, you may wish to arrive a day early so you're able to attend. We'll be happy to book additional accommodation for you (subject to availability). If you're going to be late, please inform hotel reception.
Day 22 - Starting: Buenos Aires & Finishing: Buenos Aires
Today explore Buenos Aires on a full-day tour with a local guide. Wander the cobbled streets of San Telmo and browse its antiques markets, then continue to Plaza de Mayo to see the presidential palace of Casa Rosada. Walk among the tombs of the Recoleta Cemetery, the final resting place of Eva Peron. From here take a private van to La Boca and its well-known ‘Caminito’ district, before moving on to the lesser-known side of the neighbourhood. Here you’ll visit an artist's gallery and eat an included lunch in support of a local social project. In the evening, perhaps enjoy a tango show, a football match or a steak and glass of malbec in one of the city’s trendy restaurants.
Day 23 - Starting: Iguazu Falls & Finishing: Iguazu Falls
Fly to Puerto Iguazu in the northeast corner of Argentina today. The mighty Iguazu Falls straddles the border of Argentina and Brazil, and the group will be visiting the falls from both sides. The falls are over 2 km in length and consist of 275 falls in total, some of which stretch up to 80 metres high. This makes them higher than Niagara Falls and wider than Victoria Falls. Today, travel into Brazil to admire panoramic views of the waterfalls before returning to Puerto Iguazu for the night.
Day 24 - Starting: Iguazu Falls & Finishing: Iguazu Falls
A visit to the Argentinian side of Iguazu today allows you to get up close to the waterfalls via a series of boardwalks. According to Guarani legend, Iguazu Falls was created when the serpent god M’Boy, enraged by the betrayal of a chieftain’s daughter who was promised to him, split the river in half. For a more exhilarating experience, take an optional Zodiac boat ride to the base of the falls or a helicopter flight over the top. Visit a Guarani community to meet some of the region’s few remaining indigenous people.
Day 25 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro
Today, cross the border into Brazil and take an early morning flight from Foz do Iguacu to Rio. The locals say that 'if God made the world in six days, he devoted the seventh to Rio'. The day is yours to do what you like. For relaxation and people watching, head to the beaches of Copacabana or Ipanema. If the time of year is right, check out a football game or a Carnival rehearsal. As evening approaches, perhaps take the cable car up to Sugarloaf Mountain to watch the sunset before getting sweaty with the locals in the samba clubs of bohemian Lapa.
Day 26 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro
This morning embark on a full-day guided tour of Rio. Discover the eclectic architecture, restaurants and art galleries of the artistic neighbourhood of Santa Teresa. Stop by the famous Selaron Steps to see artist Jorge Selaron’s gift to the Brazilian people. Continue up to Corcovado Mountain for sweeping views over Rio from the base of the Christ the Reedemer statue, one of the New Seven Wonders of the World. Then experience a different side of the city with a visit to the Santa Marta favela to learn about local life and meet some of the people who make up this dynamic community.
Day 27 - Starting: Rio de Janeiro & Finishing: Rio de Janeiro
Today your adventure comes to an end. There are no activities planned for the final day so you’re able to depart the accommodation at any time.
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